Auburn backs statewide data center moratorium, eyes local restrictions

The Auburn City Council unanimously passed a resolution urging New York Governor Kathy Hochul to sign the Responsible Data Center Development Act, which proposes a one-year statewide moratorium on new data center construction. The bill, already passed by both houses of the state Legislature on June 4, aims to allow the state to study the industry's impacts on utility rates, water supplies, public health, and the environment. Auburn's resolution highlighted concerns about the substantial electricity and water consumption by data centers, as well as potential issues with noise, electronic waste, and increased pressure on the electric grid, noting a 43% rise in residential electricity rates in New York between 2020 and 2025.

Local officials are also exploring independent measures to protect Owasco Lake, which serves as Auburn's drinking water source, and the city's water infrastructure. Councilor Terrence Cuddy and Mayor James Giannettino Jr. both expressed support for considering local ordinances, bans, zoning rules, or water/wastewater limits, irrespective of the governor's decision on the state bill. Resident Ian Phillips underscored the urgency by referencing significant public opposition to a proposed data center in Lysander, which he claimed could consume several times the water used by the entire city of Auburn daily. The council's discussions indicated a strong consensus among lawmakers to draft local protections.